Promoting Social, Emotional and Mental Health through structured play
The Positive Play Intervention Programme was developed in Derbyshire in 1997 providing targeted support for children through creative, sensory, and play-based methods. Ofsted defined the Positive Play Support Programme as "an early intervention tool, reducing disaffection and encouraging inclusive education."
Who we are
The Positive Play team comprises of a group of highly skilled positive play coordinators that work directly with pupils, staff and parents to set up and run Positive Play Programmes and Family Support Programmes. The programme is delivered in a sensory area with a trained Positive Play coordinator through a series of structured activities and play. Play is a natural medium which helps children and young people make sense of their world.
What we do
One-to-one sessions are tailored to meet the individual needs of the child or young person, providing activities that foster self-awareness and emotional literacy, build essential skills such as teamwork, turn taking and effective communication. Challenges and tasks are designed to instil a sense of achievement and self-worth, and activities that stimulate the imagination and encourage to think independently and explore their strengths.
Children who will benefit from Positive Play
- Children and young people who do not respond to the normal behaviour policy of the school
- Children and young people who seem to be negative about school
- Immature children and young people who have difficulty settling in school
- Children and young people with poor social skills
- Children and young people with some developmental delay
- Children and young people who present as sad, depressed, withdrawn or isolated
Support is offered to children and young people from 3-21 years of age while working with their teachers, parents and carers, since the structure of the programme enables the activities to be differentiated and adapted for any age group.
Key benefits
Emotional Regulation: Learn the tools and strategies to assist in calming themselves when overwhelmed or anxious. Express emotions in a healthy way by developing coping mechanisms for frustration.
Resilience: Confidence and problem-solving abilities are fostered, helping to adapt to challenges.
Relationship Building: Through guided play, children and young people enhance their ability to form positive relationships with peers and adults. Promoting interaction, fostering communication, teamwork, empathy and conflict resolution, which are vital for forming positive relationships.
Engagement in Learning: Assists to re-engage with their learning and fostering a sense of curiosity and focus. Celebrating achievements during play reinforces a sense of capability and self-worth.
In 2009, a Centre of Excellence was established to enhance and expand the programme. This facility includes the ‘Magic Room’ – a multi-sensory environment, tailored to help children to explore, express themselves and promote relaxation. A Rainbow Room and Enchanted Forest providing a calm, interactive space designed to promote emotional well-being, imaginative play and inspire creativity and curiosity.
The Positive Play team can also offer consultation, advice and support to schools as part of the graduated response, this may include:
- A loaning library - a comprehensive resource library including books, games and activities.
- Training - a bespoke 10 module training programme for school staff.
- Mentoring - support in planning and tailoring sessions with advice and resources.
- Family Fun Time Clubs - support in planning and facilitating sessions.
Make an Enquiry
If you would like to make an initial enquiry, please complete the Engagement Service Enquiry Form and a member of the Engagement Service will be in touch with you to discuss further.
Engagement Service Referrals
Please only complete the Derbyshire Engagement Service Pupil Referral form found in the related documents section of this page after consultation with The Engagement Service, and after the return of a completed, signed Service Level Agreement. Please follow the sending instructions provided on the form. The Derbyshire Engagement Team Referral Form should be returned via Perspective Lite with the code 'ENGAGE'.
All other referrals to Inclusion Support Advisory Service (ISAS) must be made using the form linked in their referrals page.